Are your scales sabotaging your weight loss efforts? Scales can either be your best friend or your worst enemy when trying to lose weight and get fit. It is important that no matter what your fitness goals are that you understand that the number on the scale is not the be-all, end-all for weight loss! So, is it time to break up with your scale? Here are five signs you might need to think about alternate ways to track your weight loss.
1. YOU’RE REACTING TOO EMOTIONALLY TO WHAT YOU SEE
If the number on the scale is making you change your behaviour immediately, it’s a sign something isn’t working. What we mean by changing your behaviour immediately, we mean if you see the number on the scale and you react by over-restricting what you eat if you have gained weight, or overindulging if you have lost weight. If you find that your eating habits for the day or the week are dictated by the number you see on the scale then you are doomed to a life of yo-yo dieting and constantly fluctuating weight. Your aim should be to be mindful and smart about your food choices with the end goal of keeping the weight off for good!
2. YOU’RE EXPERIENCING DISORDERED EATING BEHAVIORS
Bingeing, purging, restriction, orthorexia or over-exercise: Irregular eating takes many forms, but if you fall into any of these categories, it’s time to step away from the scale and talk to a professional who can help you find a healthier way to live. So if you are exhibiting any of the traits of the above we recommend ditching the scale immediately and focusing on your health and wellness rather than the number of the scale!
3. YOU HAVE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS ABOUT YOURSELF
If stepping onto the scale makes you have negative thoughts about yourself and your self-worth, it’s a sign you need to get rid of them immediately! Do not let the number on the scale define who you are, that number doesn’t say anything about your worth or value — it’s just a number, literally.
4. YOU’RE WEIGHING YOURSELF TOO MUCH
Are you becoming or are you already obsessive about weighing yourself every morning of every day, or maybe even multiple times per day? This is a sign that the scales are not working for you and aren’t doing you any good. Instead of tracking weight, take measurements and use your clothes as an indicator of weight loss or body transformation. Often with healthy eating and exercise, your waistline will shrink even if your weight doesn’t move much.
5. YOU’RE BUILDING MUSCLE, AND THAT’S MAKING YOU GAIN WEIGHT
Did you know that strength training and HIIT workouts can increase muscle mass, which means your body composition may be improving but the number of the scale may be increasing. The number on the scale does not tell you how much of your weight is muscle, how much is fat or how much is water. Normal household scales will only give you one number. Increasing your muscle may increase your weight, but your overall body shape and composition may be different. Instead of tracking weight, take measurements and use your clothes as an indicator of weight loss or body transformation.
So no matter what your goals are or whether you are dancing, doing CrossFit, boxing, jumping or running in Abu Dhabi, remember that you are on the right track to leading a healthy lifestyle and that the number on the scale is not the only important thing to focus on!
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